Anticipation of the Season

Only a few more days till Christmas and I have one more cookie recipe to share with you before the day is actually here. This is one is that my youngest two sons wait for with great anticipation as it is their all time favorite. In fact, the youngest told me just the other day; that he did not care what other varieties of cookies there were…..as long as there were plenty of Top Hats.

His enthusiasm for these cookies is contagious. When I told him I was in the process of making them I could almost hear his smile through the phone line in that one word he uttered, “Yessss.”

It is always fun to find out what things are important to my children and husband on the holidays. Certain foods and certain traditions all speak different languages of love to each of them. With daughter-in-laws and grandchildren added to the mix; it just makes it all the more fun.

Anticipation of the season for me is about so much more than all the preparation, baking, list making, shopping and so on. For me it is wrapped up in family and the love I see in their eyes for each other. The joy they have when they get together is a blessing to the heart and soul of this mom.

The anticipation of the laughter, the memories, the stories, the good-natured joking has taken hold and added a glow that rivals the brightly colored lights on the Christmas tree in the corner. My mindset is ready for the day to arrive….my preparations are not…..but they soon will be completed and if they are not; it really does not matter.

I finished the last of the cookies yesterday and tomorrow is house-cleaning time. If I figure it right I will be all set to go by the time the kids arrive this weekend.

I am not sure where I got this recipe; as I have been making these for more years than I care to count. These cookies take a little “canooey” work as my Grandma used to say. I will tell you; if you do make them….they are definitely worth the effort.

I will be counting the days till my family gathers. (I will also be guarding the cookies till they all get here!) I will be soaking up the joy that is this season and anticipating the contentment that is family. May you be blessed in your preparations for this season of joy.

What sweet memories you’re making for everyone. Bet your grandkids won’t forget the cookies you made just for them. My grandmas did that, too. Makes the holidays extra special when special treats are waiting at grandma’s house.

I absolutely love the quote you shared at the end. And, you’re recipe sounds amazing. You said another recipe? I haven’t seen you pop up in my reader. Guess I’ll go to your site and take a peek. 🙂

The recipe I mentioned is the one I have in this post. It is truly my sons’ favorite. And I will tell you that if you forget the powdered sugar in the chocolate layer it still tastes okay. (spoken from experience!)

My turn to Google, as I have never heard of nutmeats before. I’m not sure I got the right answer! The cookies sound delicious though, especially with the chocolate topping. At some point I really hope to try out a few of your recipes!

Just shelled and crushed somewhat. Do you ever put nuts into fudge? (I don’t as my kids don’t like it but some do) They are like walnut bits.
Not a pain at all….that is how we learn. I would probably grind them to pretty small bits for this recipe.

I love the quote you posted at the end, it is beautiful! I can almost see your smile as you wrote this post just as you could almost hear your son’s smile, I love how you put that. I know you will have a beautiful Christmas with your family, wishing you many more memories to treasure!! Oh and I can almost smell those cookies too! 😉

It’s gonna be so much fun watching your grand babies open their gifts. And that’s pretty cool your son gets so excited about the treats you make. Kinda makes your heart smile, doesn’t it?
I’m down in TN with my kids now and I think I’m more excited to watch my grand daughter open her gifts than she is. I always have a good time whenever I can spend with my kids all under one roof!

You are so right about all of it! My husband found a 3 foot tall Elsa (from Frozen) doll at a second hand store for part of the granddaughter’s gift. Can’t wait to see her open that one.
I have a feeling I don’t need to tell you to have a great time while you are down there but “have a great time!”
Merry Christmas to you and yours Aimee!

Hi Faye! I saw this via my cousin Deb. I plan to make these tomorrow! Do you use sweetened coconut?
Also, I understood nutmeats to be any nuts (chopped in this case); my mom always used pecans as a default. 🙂
Thanks!

These cookies are a “must make” for me! I might have to go back to the grocery store…I have used all of my coconut. See what you have done Faye the Chicken Grandma!!! I have to face the crowded parking lot and I will gain back all 7 of the lbs that have lost! I may not be able to share these cookies with my family!!!

These are really amazing little cookies…..which is why I have all the goodies safely in a tub in the garage. I can still go get one but it is a lot more effort.
You could always make them for the “after Christmas celebration” ( a whole new tradition).

I hope to make them tomorrow at our daughter and son-in-law’s house! She likes to cook and is still learning! Tonight we celebrated Christmas Eve with our son-law’s family. Our 3rd year to go over there. It is so wonderful to have become friends with them! I made pecan pie and buttermilk pie…and her husband did prime rib on the grill. SO good! The cookies in the garage is a good idea. Would I really keep my hands out?

We had Christmas Eve by my folks’ house. Smaller crowd this year as some of the married grandkids had to go to other sides of families. Lots of laughter, food and fun. I always have to make the cinnamon rolls for this party. Kind of handy….that way I make extra and have some for breakfast Christmas morning when my kids are here.
I did pretty good leaving the cookies alone in the garage…..not so good Christmas day when the tub came into the house!

About the Chicken Grandma

Hello! I'm Faye. I am a farm wife who loves to garden, read, go to Bible Study, do crafts of any kinds, take care of my chickens, share YL essential oils, cook, camp and hang out with my family. Not necessarily in that order.